If our Vision is the clear picture of who we are becoming, and our Mission defines the key priorities that keep us moving forward in that direction, then our Purposes are the specific areas that comprise the content of our ministry.

There are many things that can drive or shape the ministry of a congregation: tradition, personalities, finances, buildings, programs, events, etc. It is not until we truly allow God's will to be the defining force in our lives and our ministry that Jesus' promise can begin to be realized in our congregation: "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18b) When we recognize and devote ourselves to fulfilling by the power of the Holy Spirit the Six Purposes that God has given us, then the dream of God's Vision and Mission for us begin to take shape and lives are changed forever!

As important as the content of the Six Purposes are, just as important is how we connect these Purposes to each other, so as to maximize our Mission effectiveness. This is what we call our Strategy. Imagine the pistons of a six-cylinder engine firing out of sequence and not connected to the crankshaft - - there will be a lot of noise and smoke, but the engine won't drive anything forward! Our Strategy helps us to align the Purposes of our ministry so that the pistons are firing in proper sequence and are attached to the crankshaft. When our Strategy connects our Six Purposes to our Mission and Vision, we start firing on all cylinders and God will do amazing things in the lives of his people!

The bottom line of our ministry is people. Everything we do ultimately is about seeing God change people's hearts and lives for the better. The following Six Purposes not only encompass the whole spectrum of our ministry as a congregation, but they are strategically aligned in such a way so as to be more effective at facilitating changed lives. Notice the way they fit together to help move people through a process of transformation.

The Purposes:

"A Six-Step Strategy"

• 1. Evangelism
  We begin to share our faith by building authentic relationships with unchurched people, living out our faith with them, and inviting them to come with us to Worship. . .
• 2. Worship
  As these unchurched friends come to a welcoming worship service where they can experience a life-changing encounter with God, they begin a process of coming to faith and in this community they get a taste of spiritual Fellowship. . .
• 3. Fellowship
  As these attendees make a faith commitment and decide to join the church, they are invited into Growth Groups and other settings where they start to build spiritual relationships, and they begin the process of Discipleship. . .
• 4. Discipleship
  As these new Christians are helped in their spiritual growth through study of the Bible and the practice of spiritual disciplines, they discover that God has given them spiritual gifts and they develop a growing desire to exercise their gifts in Ministry. . .
• 5. Ministry
  As these growing members gain a clearer understanding of their unique gifts, talents, and passions, they begin to find where they can most effectively serve within the ministry of our church and then start to reach out to those beyond the walls of the church through Mission. . .
• 6. Mission
  As these church leaders mature spiritually and are trained in the effective use of their spiritual gifts for Mission, they begin to make a real difference in the lives of those outside the church, which becomes a perfect opportunity for Evangelism . . . and the cycle goes on!